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Australia’s Labor government is planning tighter restrictions on international students bringing family members or dependants to the country as part of a broader overhaul of its migration system, The Guardian reported.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is expected to outline the changes at the National Press Club in Canberra as the government seeks to reduce net overseas migration.
Under the proposed changes, the government plans to move away from a largely demand-driven migration system and exercise greater control over the number of people entering and leaving the country. The government aims to reduce net overseas migration from about 305,000 to around 225,000 within two years.
More than 337,000 student visas were issued in 2025, including about 45,000 for dependants. Under the proposed rules, most international students would be required to come to Australia without their family members.
The government is also considering measures to prevent visa holders from switching categories after their visas expire and to limit prolonged or unauthorised appeal processes.
Universities and business groups have warned that tighter migration rules could affect the economy and worsen shortages of skilled workers in several sectors.